About Mayeights

“Mayeights” is the title for a group of people (2 chaps and 7 ladies) whose lives briefly came together when they visited Penny Brohn Cancer Care for a 5-day residential course. The Penny Brohn Cancer Care is situated in a beautiful Georgian building, extended with many wings on the very edge of Bristol, close to the Clifton suspension bridge not far from the estuary between England and Wales. It is set in extensive gardens, these peppered with wild flowers and protected by mature cedars and evergreens, close to the river in a delightfully secluded setting dominated by an imposing water feature, the sound of which reverberates throughout the grounds. The building has been wonderfully and effectively modernised with a bright, elegant atmosphere, favouring shades of blue and grey and oatmeal, with comfortable modern furnishings and spotlessly clean flooring in carpet and light timber.

The centre exists to assist sufferers via a holistic approach to their condition, not as a replacement for “mainstream” medicine but as a complete provider of complementary therapy for individuals and groups in a relaxing and caring environment. The staff and therapists are highly trained, the atmosphere is bright, clean and tasteful, the cuisine is very sophisticated nutritionally yet delicious (I so wish I could have eaten the food!!!), the spiritual element secular yet very clear and satisfying, the attitude deeply caring.

On arrival (Sunday evening) we were shown to our beatifully appointed rooms, given supper in the delightful restaurant area and  then had a kind of briefing session with simple introductions (names, places of residence). Each bedroom was simply yet tastefully furnished; bathroom ensuite, fresh towels and environmentally friendly shampoo and shower gel; big double bed with extraordinarily comfortable mattress, bureau, wardrobe, radio/cd player, kettle and various exotic herb teas, etc.

Our time in each others’ company was a crash course in getting to know a group of complete strangers so well that we became “family” in five days! Our mornings would start with stretch and breathe exercises, then breakfast together. The mornings and afternoons were spent in either individual or joint therapies, including group discussions, meditation, relaxation, visualization, massage, healing, psychotherapy, art therapy and music therapy. Lunch and dinner were spent together as were most evenings, with discussions, talks, music and even (on the last night) dancing classes – well, lessons in circle dancing…

We went through many experiences and emotions together; we laughed, we cried, but mainly we laughed, it must be said. We were inspired by a large number of highly illuminating happenings on our mutual journey, and, when the time came to part, I think we were all quite stunned at the idea of being separated. So we decided to create our title and stick it on a blog. This is it.